Greg had told him about basketball tryouts this morning and he knew he had to do it. He had led his last high school to the state championship, so he was hoping he would at least make the team here. He had met some of the more popular boys at the school, which would help him tomorrow; his first day. A bunch of boys were trying out: Jason Quartermaine, Lucky Spencer, Dominic Pirelli, Patrick Drake, and even Matt Hunter. Jasper Jacks was going to make the team but not because of skill but because of his money. Sonny dribbled the ball down the court, he loved being point guard, he was the one that controlled everything.

"Jase!" Sonny called, sending a chest pass to the cutting post player. Jason went up for a lay-up and scored. They ran down the court, Sonny looked over his shoulder to the coach. He looked pleased, which was a good thing for Sonny. He had to make the team, it was another ace in the hole.

Another way to get to her.

XOXOXOXOXO

The day had been bad, just like she had predicted. Most of her days were bad, though. Rumors exploded about what had happened to her face, everyone called her klutz. What was new though? She was always ridiculed, by everyone. She couldn't think about this right now she had to get to John's elementary school(which was a mile and a half away from her school) to make sure he made it safely into the car that took him home. She checked her watch, 2:48, she might not make it. If the driver gets there before you, the consequences will be grave, Claudia, possibly deadly. Her father's words echoed through her head as she took off into a sprint.

Johnny was standing at the steps when she got there, she stopped in her tracks about ten feet away from him. She looked for the limo that would pick Johnny up; it wasn't here yet. Relief flooded through her body. Johnny took off running to her and hugged her. "Hi Claudee." He smiled.

"Hi baby brother. How was your day?" She asked him, returning the smile.

"Good, but Lulu Spencer keeps asking me about your bruises." He pouted. Fear jolted through Claudia's fourteen year old body. Lucky, Lulu's older brother, was aspiring to become a cop.

"John, tell me what did you tell?"

"I told her that it wasn't any of her business and to back off, she didn't like that very much though." He looked confused as he informed her. Claudia smiled and messed with his hair.

"Good boy, I'm glad you told her that. If anyone ever asks you again or asks what happened to me that's what you say." She told him, knowing the question of what happened to her would eventually come up. "Look there's your driver, let's go." She grabbed his hand, put him in the car and closed the door behind him. Anthony had told everyone to not pat attention to Claudia, no driving her places and no doing anything for her. She waved at Johnny as the car pulled away.

She started to walk home, completely alone, just like normal. This routine would never change, until the day she died and she was sure that was soon. Alone was her way and to her the only way.

I walk a lonely road

The only one that I have ever known

XOXOXOXO

"…….Jason, Jax, Lucky," The coach paused for dramatic affect before continuing, "and Sonny." Everyone cheered who made the team. The coach dismissed them and left the gym.

"Hey Sonny, you wanna come ova to my house with the rest of the guys and celebrate?" Jason asked him.

"Dude, I wish I could, but my dad wants me home like now." Sonny explained, calling Greg 'dad' felt odd, but it would have to work. He had never called anyone dad before.

"That suckss, but is totally understood. Wouldn't want your dad's wrath on ya, especially now that the season has started. Well, I guess I'll see ya tomorrow." Jase told him before walking off.

Sonny took another long gulp of water before starting to walk back to his new apartment. He was all alone, but this wasn't anything new.

Don't know where it goes

But it's home to me and I walk alone

XOXOXOXOXO

"Where were you Claudia? You're late." Anthony asked in a menacing tone as soon as she walked into the door. She kept walking to the kitchen where she got something to eat, Anthony followed. She turned and sneered at him.

"At least I'm not late for something else." She said in a almost sing-song tone. Laughing under her breath she put a bowl in the microwave. Anthony turned her around to him again and smacked her face. She didn't flinch, actually it was expected, so she turned right back around and continued to cook her dinner. Anthony took a bunch of her hair and pulled.

"We're going to the basement, now." He commanded pulling her to the hallway down to the basement.

It was late and no one would hear her screams of terror in the night.

Where the city sleeps

and I'm the only one and I walk alone

XOXOXOXOXO

He sat at home alone in the recliner. Practice had been hard and all his muscles and joints ached, he was exhausted. His head tilted back and soon enough he was fast asleep.

He was beating her and she couldn't even struggle, she was bound to the floor. She couldn't even scream, he had her gagged. He hit anything he could: her face, her arms, legs, sides. Anything at that moment that was in reach. All she could do was lay there, moaning. Bruised and bloodied.

He woke up in a sweat and was hyperventilating. He had never seen it that bad, her time was almost up and he could tell. He had to get to her. He was the last hope she had, that she didn't know about. He would find her, he would save her if it was the last thing he did. She would be okay. He wondered why he was so dedicated to this person he didn't know.

"I'm gonna find you Claudia, I'm gonna rescue you. Be your Superman."

Alright. What did y'all think?? Good, bad or horrible I want to know. Next chapter we finally see Sonny and Claudia meet. What will happen? Will he present himself to her like he did in her dream? All for you to put in your review people. Hope you enjoyed please R&R!!!

Taylor